ONE of Britain's richest businessmen travelled to East Lancashire to officially open the latest addition to his business empire.

Tony Bramall, chairman of the Sanderson Bramall Motor Group, was in Blackburn to unveil the new Sanderson Ford dealership in Whitebirk Drive.

Sanderson Bramall acquired the Ford main dealership in Montague Street two years ago from the Arriva Group, formerly Cowies.

With the group's Burnley dealership it gave Sanderson Bramall main dealer cover for both cars and commercial vehicles across East Lancashire.

The new £1.5million site features state-of-the-art technology and the latest developments in car care.

Regional director Leslie Dearden said: "When we took control of the Blackburn dealership it was apparent that major improvements were required to bring the dealership up to standard.

"When the new site became available it was an opportunity not to be missed."

Padiham girl group Bliss were invited to the opening and performed four of their songs to other guests.

Sanderson Bramall, based in Harrogate, is the fourth largest motor group in the UK. With the new Blackburn site the group has invested more than £5 million in East Lancashire where it employs more than 250 people at its dealerships.

Mr Bramall is estimated to be worth £35 million.

The group will hold a special meeting of shareholders on December 21 to discuss a proposal to change its name to C D Bramall plc. The group already uses the name in its non-Ford dealerships.

Tony Bramall is pcitured in a new Mondeo with members of girl group Bliss, Abigail Jackson, Marie Atkinson and Laura Heyworth with Leslie Dearden